Urgency vs. panic

There has been some discussion here over the last couple days about the Kings’ need to bring urgency, but not panic, to these upcoming games. Who better to address the subject than perhaps the Kings’ most steady, even-keel player, Rob Scuderi (and not to mention, a Stanley Cup champion). Here’s what Scuderi said today…

Question: You want to bring urgency to these games, but not panic. How do you toe that line, and what is the difference?

SCUDERI: “The only difference between the two, and it’s a big difference, is control. You can play with urgency and desperation, and that’s something that we should try to play with every single game, but it has to be under control and it has to be according to our structure. In panic, I think of a team running around, guys doing other guys’ jobs, not paying attention, not being in the right position, not being mentally prepared, just trying to do everything by themselves. If we do that, then we’re just going to dig ourselves much deeper into a hole.”

Question: It was suggested to Terry yesterday that these seemed like playoff games, and he agreed. Does it feel like that to you?

SCUDERI: “Yeah. I think the longer the year goes on, the harder the wins are to get. The game just keeps rising as the season goes on. The later in the season, the bigger the games, if you’re still in it. For us right now, you look at our spot, and we’re in eighth. You’ve got a team like Detroit behind you, and that’s not exactly the most comfortable position in the world. But even saying that, we can’t be panicked. We still have to be in control and play the best we can, because otherwise it will just be a matter of time before other teams catch up.”

Question: When it comes to these games, is there anything you can tell the young guys, or do they just have to experience it themselves?

SCUDERI: “I think the biggest thing at this point of the season, with where we are in the standings, is to keep it short-term. You have to think about each game, individually, but maybe on a slightly bigger scale, you think about five games. To me, I always think that if you can get six out of those 10 points, you’re always going to put yourself in a good position. Obviously you always hope you can get more, but if you get six out of 10 points, in every five games, you put yourselves in a good position. I think that’s a good thing for this team to try to focus on.”

Question: Like a little mini-series, almost…

SCUDERI: “Yeah. We did it when I was in the American league, the Wilkes-Barre team. We did it a little bit in Pitt. Just something to focus on, in the short term. When you look at the long-term goal, it just seems so far off, but if you keep it short-term, eventually they all add up to your long-term goal.”

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#27 | 6′ 1″ | 210 lb | Age: 29

Bio

Bio: Martinez was drafted by the LA Kings in the 2007 Draft, while playing for Miami University. He has since become a two-time Stanley Cup champion and the 17th man in Stanley Cup playoff history to score the Cup-winning goal in overtime.

#11 | 6′ 3″ | 224 lb | Age: 29

Bio

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#8 | 6′ 1″ | 195 lb | Age: 26

Bio

Bio: Doughty is a Canadian defenceman who was selected second overall by the Kings in the 2008 Draft. Doughty made his NHL debut in 2008 as an 18-year-old and was named to the All-Rookie Team. He is a two-time Stanley Cup champion with the Kings, a two-time Olympic gold medallist with the Canadian national team, and a Norris Trophy finalist.

#73 | 6′ 1″ | 200 lb | Age: 24

Bio

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Jeff Carter

#77 | 6′ 4″ | 215 lb | Age: 31

Bio

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#32 | 6′ 1″ | 218 lb | Age: 30

Bio

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